Kwara State to Emerge as Africa's Innovation Hub, Says Commissioner
The Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Tourism in Kwara State, Damilola Adelodun, has expressed confidence in the state's potential to emerge as a global hub for high technology and innovation, akin to Silicon Valley in California, USA.
Adelodun highlighted the state's strategic investments in tech infrastructure and innovation hubs, which he believes will attract world-class companies and position Kwara as a leader in the tech ecosystem.
Silicon Valley, renowned as the headquarters for tech giants such as Apple Inc., HP Inc., eBay, and Netflix, serves as an inspiration for Kwara's vision to transform its economy through technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking about the activities of her ministry, Adelodun said, “In terms of legacy, one of the key projects I have been lucky to head is the Ilorin Innovation Hub. It is more of a large ICT centre, which is arguably the biggest in West Africa. We also have a partnership with IHS Towers, and there is a fund of about N1bn earmarked for the running and for the programmes, training, as well as start-ups and venture capitals that would come here. We have a mandate to at least bring up two unicorns before the end of 2025.”
Reacting to critics who are of the opinion that the state is not a technology hub and should focus on other pressing issues, the young and beautiful government official said, “Interestingly enough, Kwara State has a big tech community. There are a lot of tech businesses started by Kwarans, including Kuda Bank. So, in terms of a tech hub, Kwara is it, and we want it to be the next Silicon Valley. If you think tech, we want you to think Kwara; not Lagos or Abuja. That is the vision for Ilorin Innovation Hub.”
Shedding more light on why the state recently hosted the Best of Nollywood Awards, the commissioner said, “The Sugar Film Factory, where the event was held, is under the purview of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology. People often forget that entertainment and culture have a business element to them. That was why we refurbished the rundown facility, which used to be a sugar factor. The studio is currently equipped for news, podcast and movie productions. We also have a training institute for youths, actors and filmmakers.
“In sponsoring and hosting BON, we looked at the benefit it could bring to the state, especially in terms of showcasing Kwara. I think it was very successful and we are looking forward to have more in the state.
“Many of the actors, filmmakers and creatives who attended the event loved what they saw, and many of them already have plans to do things in the state.”
Cloud Tag: What's trending
Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.
Muyideen Ajani Bello Olosi Of Osi Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission 3MTT Yahaya Muhammad Computer Based Test Zubair Folorunsho Erubu Siddiq Adebayo Idowu Salawu Ekweremadu Mohammed Halidu Seun Bolaji Tricycle Owners Association Of Nigeria Maryam Nurudeen Iqra Books Abdullahi Atanda Abioye Bello Moji Makanjuola AGF Abdulrazaq Sobi FM S.O. Opowoye Adebayo Salami Kwara-SAPZ Project Majlis For Sadaqah, Zakat And Waqf Moshood Mustapha Hydro-electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission Kale Kawu 07039448763 Ibrahim Abduquadri Abikan IDPU Idi-Ape Young Progressives Party Bisi Kristien Nigeria Governors\' Forum Ayinde Oyepitan Olokoba Jimoh Lambe Abdulkareem Gobir Organization Foundation Hassan Abdulazeez Elewu KWSIEC IPSAS Ethical College Hassan A. Saliu Razaq Ayobami Akanbi SAPZ Project Senate Durbar Festival Adesoye College Raliat Elelu-Habeeb Sherif Shagaya SSA Youth Engagement Rasheed Jimoh Sheriff Olanrewaju Special Agro-industrial Processing Zone Onilupeju Of Ilupeju Eleja Taiwo Banu Maigida Sunday Otokiti Tafida Of Ilorin TESCOM 2025 Owode Market Marafan Shonga Moses Rahman Popoola Makama Of Ilorin KWASIEC Undergraduate Bursary Ibrahim Abdulkadir Abikan Temitope Ogunbanke Vishvas KOZ Tractors Joshua Adeyemi Adimula Aliyu Muyideen Issa Memunat Moyosore Matthew Babaoye Dauda Adesola Chief Imam Of Offa Oluwatoyin Lukman Ajayi Okasanmi Lotus Bank

